British Hair Consortium Publishes Survey Results Following October Budget Announcement

Nov 7, 2024 | HOME INFORM, INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM, INFORM HEADER

British Hair Consortium Publishes Survey Results Following October Budget Announcement

The survey included responses from 1,686 industry employers representing over 21,000 workers

by MADDI | INFORM

Following the October 2024 Budget announcement, the British Hair Consortium (BHC) has released survey results, summarising the initial reaction from the industry and highlighting significant concerns for the UK hairdressing sector.

The survey showed that 42 per cent of respondents say they are considering closing their businesses within the next year. 98 per cent of salon owners are exploring self-employment models for their staff, with many feeling that switching away from the direct employment (PAYE) system may be necessary for survival. This shift away from traditional employment could have implications for the industry and workers alike, as noted by Hellen Ward from the BHC: “Many workers relinquish their employment rights in exchange for promises of more money in their pocket. Furthermore, many of these unscrupulous business owners use this model as a vehicle to avoid VAT by splitting income at worker level.”

Apprenticeships, which play a crucial role in developing the next generation of hairdressing talent, could also be at risk. 95 per cent of salon owners who currently employ apprentices say they will reduce their intake, end apprenticeships or decide not to take on any more trainees. BHC’s Collette Osborne commented on the complex legal challenges salon owners face in determining legitimate employment models, noting that “the truth is that our industry has no clear understanding of guidelines on what a legitimate and legal business model is. Salon owners who fall foul of the law only find this out when they are hit with fines that often are so high, the business has to close anyway and, in many cases, end in bankruptcy.”

Image by Christopher Bill

BHC representatives warn that such a shift could impact not only the livelihood of salon workers but also have broader economic consequences. A loss of PAYE contributions, reductions in VAT and a decline in apprentice numbers threaten to destabilise the sector and diminish government revenue from the hairdressing industry. Office for National Statistics data supports these concerns, showing a decline of 45,000 employees, or 37 per cent of the workforce, in the hairdressing sector since 2018.

The survey revealed that 94 per cent of respondents are either extremely concerned for the future or believe a generation of apprentices will be lost, and 98 per cent of respondents do not believe the hair sector is valued by the government.

Amid this uncertainty, Toby Dicker from the BHC emphasises the importance of unity in the industry to navigate the challenges ahead: “There’s never been a greater need for the industry to join together to ensure that everyone is trading under the correct terms. If you want to be properly represented then join one of the six business organisations that are most representative of our industry.”

The BHC continues to advocate for sector reforms, underscoring the urgency for clear guidelines and support to sustain the future of British hairdressing.

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“Practice Your Craft, Collaborate With Other Creatives And Build Your Portfolio” – It List 2024 Award Winner, Mike Mahoney, Shares How To Get Seen

Nov 6, 2024 | DOCUMENTS, DOCUMENTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

“Practice Your Craft, Collaborate With Other Creatives And Build Your Portfolio” – It List 2024 Award Winner, Mike Mahoney, Shares How To Get Seen

We get into the nitty gritty with Mike’s experience balancing salon and session work

by MADDI | DOCUMENTS

Winning the It List The Editorial Stylist award back in September marked an exciting milestone for Mike Mahoney, a stylist who is all about pushing creative boundaries in both salon and editorial settings. With a background in session work under top industry names, Mike has forged a unique path, blending salon commitments with the high-paced world of editorial and runway shows.

Mike’s schedule is a balancing act between his salon clients at Josh Wood’s Atelier and his role on the core team of session stylist Gary Gill. Working under Gary has given Mike opportunities with high-profile brands and photographers, like London-based Tomila Katsman, enabling him to perfect techniques across editorial campaigns, look books and runway work.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with Gary and be part of a setup that allows me to commit fully,” Mike says. In most salons, taking time off for an editorial project would be a challenge, but The Atelier’s supportive environment encourages growth in both realms. “At other salons, the support system wasn’t always there,” Mike explains. “Here, I can go off on projects and bring that experience back to my clients.”

Mike notes a clear distinction between the work he does for editorial shoots and what goes into styling a salon client. “On set, I usually have days to understand the brand’s mood or to practice the look,” he explains. “With a client, it’s much faster – just a few minutes from reception to chair to figure out their style, but with my editorial experience, it’s easier to do it quickly.”

Those brief salon moments are where Mike’s editorial expertise shines, adding subtle touches that elevate everyday looks. “A tiny tweak can be the reason clients rebook,” he notes, emphasising that this attention to detail makes each experience unique and tailored.

Mike got in the mix during Fashion Month in September, contributing to shows for Diesel, McQueen, Chloé, Balenciaga, and Hermès. He reflects on the differences, saying, “Shows like Chloé focus on soft, luxurious hair that’s still accessible to salon clients, while Balenciaga is just pure fun – creative and intense.”

Fashion week, however, isn’t just about glamour. “Those effortless styles that look like they took minutes often take the longest to perfect,” Mike jokes. Whether he’s styling models or clients, Mike’s favourite part is the challenge, capturing personalities and adding those “extra tweaks” that make all the difference.

Mike encourages aspiring editorial stylists to put themselves out there. “Practice your craft, collaborate with other creatives, and build your portfolio, especially on Instagram,” he advises. His journey began with a passion project inspired by street culture, which he and friends used to shape their vision without needing to wait for traditional media exposure. “Nowadays, you’re lucky to have Instagram – it gives you the chance to put your work out there instantly.”

Reflecting on his career, Mike credits his mentors and experiences with helping him balance creativity with financial stability. “It’s about finding the right environment,” he shares. “With a supportive salon, you don’t have to choose between your creative ambitions and personal goals.”

From high-stakes fashion shows to behind-the-chair transformations, Mike Mahoney continues to merge high fashion with salon accessibility, inspiring a new wave of stylists with every look.

Read more about Mike’s editorial excellence by checking out the latest edition of Runway.